The Verdict

Nesco FD-61 Snackmaster Encore Food Dehydrator for Great Jer

If you’re serious about making jerky at home, you’ve probably noticed the market splits into two camps: cheap round dehydrators that dry unevenly and force you to rotate trays, and expensive box-style units that cost as much as a small countertop oven. The Nesco FD-61 Snackmaster Encore sits squarely in the middle — and for most home jerky makers, that’s exactly where you want to be.

What’s Actually in the Box

Nesco packs this kit generously. You get the base unit with a 600-watt motor, five clear BPA-free trays, a mesh screen set, two fruit roll sheets, and — the standout — a jerky gun with three sausage stuffing tips. That jerky gun alone typically sells for $15-20 separately, so factor that into the value equation.

The unit measures about 12 inches in diameter and stands roughly 14 inches tall with five trays stacked. It’s compact enough to tuck into a cabinet, but you’ll likely keep it out because you’ll use it more than you expect.

Performance and Build Quality

The defining feature here is the top-mounted fan design. Unlike horizontal-flow dehydrators that push air from the back (which means you’re constantly rotating trays for even drying), the Snackmaster blows warm air downward through the center column and across each tray. Heat distribution is genuinely consistent — my test batch of venison jerky dried evenly from the top tray to the bottom without a single rotation.

The 600W motor hits a temperature range of 95°F to 165°F via a simple dial. For jerky, you’ll want to hover around 155-160°F to safely dry meat while keeping it shelf-stable. For fruit leathers and herbs, dial it down to 95-115°F. The dial isn’t precise — there’s no digital readout — but it’s repeatable once you learn your settings.

One clever detail: the base is designed to collect drippings, which protects the motor from moisture. That said, the base itself isn’t waterproof. You’ll want to wipe it down, not dunk it.

What Buyers Keep Praising

The 4.5-star rating across 225 reviews holds up when you read what people actually say. A recurring theme is how well the jerky gun works — one reviewer noted, “I was skeptical about the included gun, but it makes perfect strips every time. No more hand-cutting uneven pieces that dry at different rates.” Another buyer who upgraded from a cheaper dehydrator said, “I didn’t realize how uneven my old one was until I used this. No rotating, no babysitting — just set it and check it in four hours.”

The expandability gets consistent love too. The base comes with five trays, but Nesco sells add-on tray kits that let you stack up to 12. Multiple reviewers mention starting small and scaling up once friends and family started requesting “orders.”

Where It Falls Short

Honesty time. The lack of a timer is the biggest gap in this package. You’ll need to set a phone alarm and check your jerky periodically — there’s no auto shut-off. For occasional use, that’s manageable. If you’re dehydrating overnight, it’s a genuine inconvenience.

Noise is another consideration. The top fan runs at a steady hum that’s louder than the whisper-quiet Excalibur models. It’s not obnoxious, but you won’t want it running while you’re watching TV in the same room.

And while the trays are top-rack dishwasher safe, the mesh screens and fruit roll sheets should be hand-washed. It’s a minor chore, but worth knowing before you buy.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a jerky enthusiast who wants consistent results without spending $200+ on a box dehydrator. The included jerky gun makes it ideal for beginners who want to produce uniform strips on day one.

Skip it if: You need precise temperature control for things like yogurt or probiotics (you’d want a digital model), or if you plan to run it overnight regularly without supervision — the lack of a timer will genuinely frustrate you.

FAQ

Q: How long does beef jerky take in the Nesco FD-61? A: Expect 4-6 hours at 155-160°F for thin strips. Thicker cuts or marinades with sugar can push it to 7-8 hours. Check at 4 hours and adjust.

Q: Can you dehydrate fruit without the sheets? A: Yes, but small pieces like blueberries or sliced strawberries will fall through the tray gaps. Use the included mesh screens for small items, and the fruit roll sheets for purees.

Q: Is the jerky gun actually worth anything? A: Yes. It’s a solid plastic construction with metal plunger that produces consistent strips. The three tips let you make round sticks, flat strips, or hollow tubes. It’s not commercial-grade, but it beats hand-cutting every time.

The Verdict

The Nesco FD-61 Snackmaster Encore is the best value jerky dehydrator under $100. The overhead fan design solves the uneven drying problem that plagues cheaper units, the included jerky gun eliminates a separate accessory purchase, and the expandable tray system means you won’t outgrow it quickly. The lack of a timer and the fan noise are real tradeoffs, but they don’t undermine the core function.

Buy it if you want reliable, even drying for jerky, fruit leathers, and herbs without spending Excalibur money. Skip it if you need digital precision or overnight unattended operation.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A solid, honest dehydrator that earns its keep in any kitchen that loves snacks.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.